International Friendly: England v Denmark preview

Mar 05, 2014 4:33 PM GMT

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Having recently acquired the services of Liverpool's resident psychiatrist, Dr Steve Peters, it seems that it would be wise for Roy Hodgson to utilise Liverpool's abundance of English talent in tonight's final friendly before jetting off to Brazil for the World Cup.

Prior to tonight's match at Wembley Roy Hodgson could utilise 5 of the current Liverpool team that has been so successful this season, but more importantly he boasts 4 of the 6 attacking players that have seen the club firing on all cylinders this season. Captain Steven Gerrard will lead his nation out tonight in a match that see's Glen Johnson earn his 50th cap on the international stage. Daniel Sturridge is the country's most in form striker and will be raring to recreate his club form on the international stage and cement his place as the spearhead of England's attack later this year at the World Cup. Raheem Sterling will be desperate to prove his worth in a position that has left Hodgson with a selection dilemma out wide with Lallana, Johnson and Townsend all fighting for a spot in the squad; as will Jordan Henderson, eager to finally silence his doubters in an England shirt. So England manager Roy Hodgson ironically having previously flopped as Liverpool coach now finds himself heavily dependant on their star players performing.

Given the incredible run of form, and Hodgson's obvious interest in the development of these players, I would be surprised if he doesn't allow them to play a large portion of the game. However it would be even more interesting to see him try and emulate the style of Liverpool. With the back 5 staying as it is, I personally would like to see us play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been a phenomenon amongst they footballing giants this season. By playing Gerrard and Wilshere in the two holding positions, with Gerrard playing slightly deeper than Wilshere it gives the team two players with great distribution, coupled with Wilshere's high intensity and the pairs good ball retention, allowing a platform on which to start great quality attacks time and time again.

Ahead of these would sit Wayne Rooney, a player who the whole world knows is capable of the spectacular, and a footballer who plays a pivotal role behind the striker allowing the other elements of his game to truly blossom. Jordan Henderson's marked improvement this season has seen him evolve into a key player who's harrowing of the midfield and back four when not in possession allows the rest of the side to sit higher and control the match.With Sturridge and Sterling's blistering pace hitched with the endless invention, quality of passing and cohesion that comes from Gerrard, Wilshere and Rooney, England could have a team balanced enough to truly compete amongst the best when it matters.